Hello readers! I thought that I would post a blog about the
infamous comment “treat searching for a job like a full time job.” When I tell
my clients this I usually get mixed reactions. Some gasp, some laugh and some
agree. Sometimes people will say to me “how is that possible? I wouldn’t have
enough to keep me busy!” My answer is that perhaps job seekers need to
incorporate more creative strategies into their job search. Job searching is
far more advanced than having a resume. Job searching is far more advanced than
finding advertised work online and applying by e-mail. I remember during a
period previously in my life when I was job searching I decided to map out
employers that I would apply to in person. I had approximately 20 employers to
apply to in person and created customized resumes and cover letters for each
employer identifying why I wanted to work for them and why they should hire me.
I thought to myself on the day that I was handing them out in person, this will
be easy, I will get this done in no time. I was naïve. Applying to 20 employers
in person takes a lot longer and lot more effort than I had originally
anticipated.
There are 3 primary reasons why I tell job seekers to treat
finding a job like a full time job. First this will force the job seeker to
introduced creative strategies into their job search that they are not yet
utilizing. Second sometimes this will help to create a schedule such as waking
up at 9am to start and not job searching after sleeping in during the morning, which
can actually become more draining. This is the age old saying “The early bird
gets the worm.” Finally, sometimes job seekers will not stop job searching and
this can make for a hectic family life or could lead to burnout. It is best to
create a schedule for yourself. So what will this schedule look like? We are
housed with Employment Counsellors that can help to introduce to you creative
strategies that you are not yet utilizing into your job search. Here is an
example of what a day in the life of a job seeker may look like:
9am-10am: Read the paper. Not just the classifieds but the
whole paper. Look for employers that just received funding or that are creating
new opportunities or expanding that could lead to future hiring. Look at the
advertisements.
10am-12pm: Follow up with those employers. Before you cold
call the employers to follow up make sure that you research more about them. 12pm-1pm: Lunch – enjoy your lunch break this will help you to set a schedule.
1pm-3pm: Look through the online job postings. You are
focusing on advertised work here. Apply to the positions that interest you with
a cover letter and resume that is tailored to the job and to the company
hiring. Always keep your eye open for new websites that house advertised work
and create yourself a “favourites” list.
3pm-4pm: Hit the pavement. Apply to employers in person. This
will also be a good time to follow up in person to any of the employers that
you noticed in the papers or online today.
4pm-5pm: Log into your LinkedIn account. Connect with local
employers. Send them a message online to inquire about upcoming opportunities.
If you don’t have a LinkedIn account already you may want to create on. It’s a great
way to market your skills online and connect with key players in the community.
There are many many more creative strategies beyond those
listed above that can be utilized. Visit VCCS Employment Services to gain extra
support and advice on how to become more successful with your job search.
